Tom Brady is officially on his way to becoming part of the Las Vegas Raiders' ownership group, marking yet another chapter after his illustrious NFL career. Approved by NFL owners during their fall meeting, Brady is set to acquire a 10% stake, with 5% being directly attributed to him. This approval was reached unanimously—32 votes to zero—highlighting the league's support for the seven-time Super Bowl champion as he transitions from player to executive.
Brady's ownership bid has been over two years in the making, with initial talks dating back to the time of his retirement, which he announced for the second time earlier this year. His endeavor was first reported back in May 2023, but the announcement of the deal took some time to solidify due to several financial and regulatory hurdles, particularly concerning the price of the stake and Brady's new role as a broadcaster for Fox Sports.
Confirming his excitement, Brady expressed gratitude toward Mark Davis, the Raiders' majority owner, stating, "I'm incredibly humbled and excited to have been unanimously approved as an owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Throughout my NFL career, I've learned … football is … teamwork, resilience, and relentless pursuit of excellence." This sentiment speaks to the values Brady intends to integrate within the Raiders. He sees joining the franchise as not only fulfilling but as continuing his lifelong connection to football.
Brady’s statement also emphasized his intentions to honor the Raiders’ rich traditions and improve fan experiences. He maintained focus on the team’s mission to win football games, aligning with his competitive spirit. Hall of Famer Richard Seymour, Brady’s former teammate with the New England Patriots, also joins the ownership group with his own small stake.
Despite being welcomed as part of the Raiders, Brady's broadcasting role at Fox carries some restrictions. The NFL has put mandates in place to prevent potential conflicts of interest, as Brady can’t attend team meetings or have access to team facilities, coaches, or players. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell reassured reporters, stating, "Let me just say on the media side, Tom's been abiding by the issues ... since he began his broadcasting." Essentially, he is tasked with adhering to league bylaws preventing him from public criticism of officials and other teams, which will become particularly relevant during broadcasts.
Brady’s broadcasting career began with Fox Sports after he signed a significant ten-year deal once he retired from playing. This season is particularly pivotal as it marks his first as lead NFL analyst, where he has already made headlines for bringing the network its best ratings for the opening NFL weekend seen in four years. It seems like his transition to the media sphere is taking off even as he diversifies his involvement with the Raiders.
Brady's ownership stake reflects broader trends where former players are entering ownership ranks within the NFL. He follows other former athletes who have made similar leaps, including late Carolina Panthers' owner Jerry Richardson and Chicago Bears' owner George Halas, who both made their marks on the league during their active years as players. Brady’s involvement with the Raiders extends beyond just ownership; he is also part of the minority ownership structure for the WNBA's Las Vegas Aces, which shares management ties with the Raiders.
Interestingly, the valuation of the Raiders has been under scrutiny throughout this process. Reports suggest Sportico values the Raiders at approximately $6.7 billion, which provides the backdrop against which Brady's minority stake is assessed. Amid negotiations, various financial adjustments were made to satisfy league expectations and valuation standards. Brady’s investment aims to secure his place in the future of the NFL and maintain his involvement with football well beyond his playing days.
The investment evidently signals Brady's long-term vision and commitment to the Raiders, as well as to the NFL overall. The market recently has seen increased interest from high-profile individuals seeking ownership stakes, underlining the economic potential and brand value embedded within NFL franchises.
Overall, Brady’s transition to ownership reflects the shifting dynamics of professional sports, where legends not only retire but reshape their legacies through participatory roles outside of the field. The future holds exciting possibilities for both the Raiders and Brady as they enter this new phase of collaboration.
